United States of America
Headstone of Joseph John O'Shura
U.S. Army · United States United States

Joseph John O'Shura

Died July 20, 1963

Joseph John O'Shura served in the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Accident
Cause Multiple traumatic injuries
Mechanism Motor vehicle
What Happened

Patrol Officers Joseph O'Shura and Barry Karper were killed in an automobile crash at the end of a three-mile-long pursuit while chasing a stolen vehicle shortly after 1:30 am. Both officers spotted a vehicle that was reported stolen a week earlier in the area of Market Street and immediately gave chase. As both officers were following behind the stolen vehicle, the driver hit his brakes at a high rate of speed while attempting to make a right turn onto Division Street, losing control of the vehicle and striking a group of trees. Officer O'Shura, who was driving, swerved left to avoid striking the auto and struck the same group of trees. The driver of the stolen vehicle and both officers were pronounced dead at the scene. Officer O'Shura was a U.S. Army veteran and served with the Harrisburg Police Bureau for two months. He was survived by both of his parents and brother. His brother also served with the Harrisburg Police Bureau.

Survivors
He was survived by both of his parents and brother.
Media
Joseph John O'Shura
Joseph John O'Shura 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Harrisburg Police Bureau
Patrol Officer
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 58W · Line 7 cut as JOSEPH J O’SHURA
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Patrol Officer O'Shura served with the Harrisburg Police Bureau.

Thank you for your service to the Harrisburg community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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